Houston at Washington
The Redskins may be zoned in on Arian Foster after his outstanding opener, so the Texans will not hesitate to come out throwing in this one. Washington can certainly cover adequately in the secondary, but it's difficult to envision Andre Johnson being held in check two weeks in a row. Matt Schaub will throw more than one TD pass, and Foster will certainly be in position for some short scoring opportunities. Washington will likely go to its running game to attempt to control time of possession, and you can expect Clinton Portis to post respectable numbers. Donovan McNabb will operate a controlled passing game. His numbers will be mediocre, and Chris Cooley is a must-start in PPR leagues, as he is targeted frequently. Santana Moss will only have limited deep opportunities, yet can make the most of one or two deep chances against the Texans secondary.
Buffalo at Green Bay
The Bills desperately need to get their running game on track to have any chance of staying in this game, so expect them to get the ball into the hands of C.J. Spiller frequently. Do not hesitate to keep him in your lineup as a flex player. Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson will also get significant carries, yet have limited upside, especially with the strong chance that Buffalo may have to abandon the running game at some point. Trent Edwards will need to use Spiller as a flat pass receiver to stave off the pass rush, and may not have enough time to locate Lee Evans, a risky start again. Without injured LB Paul Posluszny, the Buffalo run defense becomes even more vulnerable, so Brandon Jackson is a very viable starter. Aaron Rodgers will face a sturdy Buffalo pass defense, and will use high percentage passing to get the ball to Donald Driver and Jermichael Finley. Both players will deliver quality PPR numbers.
Miami at Minnesota
The Dolphins may have some problems establishing their running game against Minnesota's defensive front. Ronnie Brown could frustrate his fantasy owners this week, and Ricky Williams should be reserved if you are considering him as a flex option. Chad Henne will be forced into some adverse passing situations, and some turnovers. Brandon Marshall will be bracketed and double teamed, and has limited statistical upside this week. The Vikings should be able to build a comfortable lead, and Adrian Peterson will roll up impressive numbers with a large number of carries. Brett Favre should have considerable time to throw, and expect more than one TD pass. Visanthe Shiancoe will again be a top target. Greg Camarillo, however, opposes his former team and should get into the offensive flow more, so consider him as a starter in larger PPR leagues. Any time a player faces his former franchise, it does give him an intangible edge in tight lineup decisions.
Kansas City at Cleveland
The Chiefs defense played above expectations in the opener, and should do so in this game as well. Look for an aggressive front seven to limit the Cleveland running game, making Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis shaky fantasy options. The Browns QB situation is also wobbly, and Mohamed Massaquoi should only be used as a desperation option. There is a legitimate chance of the Chiefs building a cushion in this game, so Jamaal Charles could rip off another big run against an overworked Browns defense. Thomas Jones will also be in position for a few short scoring opportunities. Matt Cassel may not need to throw frequently, yet will make the most of his opportunities and is an adequate fill-in for owners who have a dire QB situation. Expect Dwayne Bowe to come through with a bounce-back performance after a disappointing season opener. Chris Chambers will be a target in goal line situations as well.
Pittsburgh at Tennessee
This could be a low-scoring affair, as the Steelers prevent Chris Johnson from breaking off the long run for awhile. Still, Johnson could bust loose at any time, and should at least get close to 100 yards again, even if he does not vault past the mark. Vince Young was impressive in the opener, yet will have to be more careful against Pittsburgh's defense, and should not be started unless you have a desperate QB situation. Nate Washington faces his former team, though, and is worth consideration in larger PPR leagues. Rashard Mendenhall will have to work hard to build up quality yardage totals, so do not expect an outstanding performance. Dennis Dixon will look often to Hines Ward and Heath Miller. Mike Wallace is a boom-or-bust option, you will certainly be gambling if you start him.
Chicago at Dallas
The offensive upside is much more limited for the Bears this week. The Cowboys LBs will certainly have their scopes on Matt Forte, who will have greatly reduced chances of breaking off a big play in this matchup. Forte is also a very wobbly goal-line option, and his final numbers may only be adequate. There will be a heavier burden on Jay Cutler to carry the offense this week, and he may make more than one turnover. Dallas will rely on the Tony Romo to Miles Austin connection, with Jason Witten also being a significant offensive factor. Romo will finish with at least respectable totals, with the promise of Austin breaking loose for a big play at any time. The Dallas running game is becoming more difficult to scout, yet be aware that Tashard Choice could actually emerge as a more prominent factor at any time.
Philadelphia at Detroit
The Lions defensive line is improved for sure, but may still be vulnerable to the rushing of Michael Vick on the edges. Detroit's defense may become overworked with Shaun Hill attempting to move the offense, and Vick is a strong starter with a full week to practice with the complete offensive package. With Vick also a threat to score near the goal line, LeSean McCoy, who has yet to truly establish himself outside the red zone, is in serious danger of being "vultured." When Vick goes to the air, he will look for Brent Celek often. DeSean Jackson is also a good bet to make a big play as he works in unison with Vick when the QB breaks the pocket. Calvin Johnson remains a must-start no matter who his QB is. But with Hill at the helm, the Eagles will key often on Jahvid Best, and the rookie RB is a shaky starting choice in Week 2.
Arizona at Atlanta
The Falcons must respect the Arizona passing game, and will likely drop extra defenders back into coverage against Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. Derek Anderson is a big risk for more than one turnover, although Fitzgerald should still deliver solid totals. Breaston is a quality start with Fitzgerald continuing to draw heavy defensive attention. Tim Hightower should finish with adequate overall totals as the passing game loosens up the defense a bit. Michael Turner is a prime option this week, as he will be highly motivated to bounce back from a disappointing opener. A strong running game will set up play-action passing for Matt Ryan, who should enjoy lots of time to throw. Expect him to come through with two TD passes at minimum, as Roddy White continues to thrive and Tony Gonzalez moves back into the offensive flow.
Tampa Bay at Carolina
The Panthers should be able to hold the Tampa Bay running game in check, and Cadillac Williams will only provide mediocre fantasy numbers. Josh Freeman may be forced to throw frequently against an aggressive Carolina secondary, and that is a recipe for turnovers. Rookie Mike Williams may also struggle to get open regularly. The Panthers will eventually wear down the Buccaneers defense, and Steve Smith is a big threat to exploit busted coverages and missed assignments. DeAngelo Williams is also a good bet to break off a big run in the second half against a tired defense, and Jonathan Stewart deserves flex consideration for possible short scoring chances.
Seattle at Denver
The Seahawks will have trouble establishing the running game again, and that will put Matt Hasselbeck in much tougher situations than he encountered in the opener. Denver's defense does not have a strong pass rush, yet can sit back and shut down the Seattle pass-catchers, leading to coverage sacks and turnovers. Mike Williams and Deion Branch should not be expected to contribute much statistically this week. Knowshon Moreno will build his numbers up in the second half, and as long as Kyle Orton avoids a rejuvenated Marcus Trufant, he will finish with acceptable numbers, and even has a bit of upside this week. Jabar Gaffney is overrated and could disappear, but Eddie Royal and Brandon Lloyd are good value options, especially in larger leagues in Week 2.
St. Louis at Oakland
Sam Bradford does not lack confidence, but his accuracy at the pro level is still a work in progress, and Mark Clayton has been a fantasy tease before. The Raiders will prepare well for the rookie, and the Rams may have serious difficulty moving the ball this week. A solid defensive effort will allow the Raiders to enjoy good field position and run the ball effectively. Darren McFadden is a quality starting option for Week 2. Jason Campbell should be able to take what the defense gives him. He will work frequently to Zach Miller, and Louis Murphy has the potential to contribute with a big play. Oakland will not thrill anyone offensively, of course, yet the Raiders could come through with a decent offensive showing against the Rams.
New England at New York Jets
Randy Moss is at least capable of catching a TD pass in the goal-line area, so you must still give him strong starting consideration despite the obviously challenging matchup with Darrelle Revis. Tom Brady will have to throw often as the Patriots have much difficulty establishing a running game. Brady will throw at least two TD passes, but also more than one interception. Wes Welker will be very busy, and TEs Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski are possible sleepers if you need TE help this week. Gronkowski will be a regular TD threat in goal-line packages. The Jets will be inspired to play better on offense this week. Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson are both acceptable flex options for Week 2. Mark Sanchez will not be afraid to throw the ball, and Braylon Edwards could actually re-emerge as a playmaker for a week. Dustin Keller could be a threat to score also, but you could still do better overall at the TE position this week.
Baltimore at Cincinnati
Both teams have impressive defensive units, but divisional familiarity means both offenses can move the ball. The Ravens will get Ray Rice open in space, and the explosive RB will produce much better totals than he did in the first week. Joe Flacco faces a very good secondary, yet he has more offensive options than last season, and should produce at least adequate fantasy numbers. A healthy Anquan Boldin is a must-start, and Derrick Mason will get more involved in the passing game again. Scout, but do not start, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who may re-emerge as a decent option in the weeks ahead. Cedric Benson does not back down against tough defenses and should be started as usual. Carson Palmer is a big risk for more than one turnover, yet he will also toss more than one TD pass. Chad Ochocinco is capable of making plays against the Baltimore secondary, but Terrell Owens cannot be expected to make significant contributions. He still earns a lot of defensive respect though, and that can only help Ochocinco.
Jacksonville at San Diego
Maurice Jones-Drew will produce his usual totals, as the Chargers' front seven has trouble corralling the elite RB. It's not a friendly matchup for a defense that was burned by Jamaal Charles last week. David Garrard will not look as sharp as he did in the opener, but he should be able to re-establish his connection with Mike Sims-Walker. Mike Thomas is a decent play in larger leagues, yet consistency may continue to be an issue with him at this point. Ryan Mathews should start to live up to the billing from NFL types who have a lot of confidence in him as a first-year standout. Philip Rivers will be able to pick his spots against the Jacksonville pass defense. Expect at least two TD passes, and another quality outing by Legedu Naanee. Malcom Floyd, however, is over-hyped, so consider reserving him until he starts to show he is more deserving of a starting spot.
New York Giants at Indianapolis
The Colts run defense is a glaring weakness right now. Ahmad Bradshaw is a fine starting choice, but Brandon Jacobs is not running with much authority, and is a risky starting choice no matter the matchup. Eli Manning will feed off the emotion of the brotherly battle, and is a nice starting option. Expect at least two TD passes and a high-level performance from Steve Smith. Peyton Manning will need to make quick throws to quell the New York pass rush, and you can expect excellent PPR totals from Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne. Pierre Garcon will be targeted often and should remain in lineups, and Austin Collie is a good bet to play well again. Joseph Addai may have difficulty stacking up respectable totals against the Giants front seven. Peyton will have to throw a lot, and expect more stellar passing numbers.
New Orleans at San Francisco
The San Francisco defense, rated highly in the preseason, comes off a very disappointing opener from the fantasy perspective, and now should be held out for another week. While the Niners may limit the production of Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, Drew Brees will certainly have his way often against the pass defense. Brees should play better than he did in the opener, and Marques Colston will have a strong chance of scoring. Lack of a running game could mean some predictability from New Orleans, but Brees should still deliver at least two TD passes. Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson should be started in larger leagues. The Saints remain vulnerable to the run, and Frank Gore should play fully up to preseason expectations this week. Michael Crabtree could be in for another down week against a strong New Orleans secondary, but Vernon Davis remains a must-start regardless of matchup.
Scott Engel is a member of the 2010 class of the Fantasy Sports Writers Hall of Fame, the inaugural group selected for induction. Enjoy intimate and Exclusive gameday chats with Scott as part of the RotoExperts Xclusive Edge package.
